While wishing everyone on the World Book and Copyright Day, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, said that India is a hub of knowledge. With its ancient scriptures and so many universities, India is a link between the past and the future. Emphasising on the need to promote reading in the country, Dr Pokhriyal said that children should be encouraged to believe that books are their best friends.

Professor Govind Prasad Sharma, chairman of NBT, spoke about the changing times from the oral tradition to hand written parchments to printed words. He said now the time has come that society accepts e-learning as a method of knowledge dissemination. He also said that Coronovirus pandemic has changed the way we function. We publishers need to make sure that we keep imparting knowledge be it through digital and e-publishing mediums.

Talking about NBT’s initiatives during this period, Yuvraj Malik informed that NBT has planned the launch of a publishing series titled — Corona Studies Series — to document and provide relevant reading materials for all age-groups. The material is being readied by a study group comprising experienced psychologists and counselors. The first sub-series is on — Psycho-social impact of Corona pandemic and the ways to cope. In addition, NBT is preparing children’s books on our Corona warriors, other stories and picture books related to various aspects of Corona to create awareness. Also, books focused on art, literature, folklore, economic and sociological aspects, science/health awareness emerging out of the Corona pandemic are also in the pipeline.

Over 180 participants logged-in to join the webinar across India, which included publishers, authors, editors, teachers, booksellers, digital content creators and publishing professionals. The webinar provided insights on the post-COVID-19 scenario for the publishing industry, while understanding the ways in which the education will be re-looked into with the rising e-learning practices.